Much of the music is original composition, with songs inspired by the varied musical traditions of the UK and elsewhere. Re-interpetations of covers includefragments of King Crimson , Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, Hermeto and Dave Brubeck. The album also features an English ​hornpipe, a nursery rhyme and a song inspired by the influential Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson.

Live drums are played on five tracks of the album by the remarkable​ Ian Thomas